Graveshadow Interview

1.       For those that have never heard of you before, can you tell us a little bit about the band?

Ben: We all have a lot of varied influences, and although we have some core influences, it’s the mix of backgrounds that really define our sound…plus weed.

2.       So far you have released an EP and have your first full length coming out in November, how would you describe the musical sound that is presented on both of the recordings?

Valerie: The EP set the tone for the heavier elements that we draw influence from where as the album has a more dynamic and ethereal sound that lends itself much more to storytelling.

3.       What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects the band explores with the music?

Will: The lyrics are very varied, but the core of our content is telling stories. I’m a very big nerd and took a lot of influence form Dr. Who, Game of Thrones and the Warcraft universe. At the same time though we like to share a bit of ourself in our lyrics as well. “Namesake” is about some of the emotional problems I dealt with after my grandfather died and living up to his name seeing as how I’m named after him.

4.       What is the meaning and inspiration behind the name 'Graveshadow?

Roman: Well, we got really drunk one Halloween in a cemetery. I passed out for a few hours and when I woke up the first thing I saw was a shadow from a nearby grave across my legs….I brought it up at the next rehearsal and the rest is history.

5.       What are some of the best shows that the band has played so far and also how would you describe your stage performance?

Matt: I would say for sure that out best show was opening for Apocalyptica at Ace of Spades. The crowd that night was nothing short of incredible. A smaller show we played at Blue Lamp where our sound was just so dialed in that it really came through well.

As far as our performance is concerned, it’s important that we have a lot of room haha. With so many people the room really allow us to go full bore and bring the crowd into the fold. In a word: electrifying.

6.       Do you have any touring or show plans once the new album is released?

Will: We will definitely be playing shows, focusing more on regional and select ones in our home town. Touring is on the horizon, we have some irons in the fire we aren’t at liberty to discuss right now, but if all goes well, next year is going to be amazing!

7.       On one of the tracks you have the singer of Primal Fear adding in some vocals, can you tell us a little bit more about his contribution to the recording?

    Heather: Ralf was a delight to work with. I did write the lyrics and melodies that he performed but he absolutely brought the power like only he is able to. All around a very kind and respectful individual, very happy that we had the chance to work with him

8.       On a worldwide level how has the feedback been to your music by fans of symphonic metal?

Matt: Overwhelmingly positive. It’s been an honor to be included on a varierty of radio programs both in the US and in Europe that have led to digital purchases of our EP. We’re looking forward to when we’re able to take this show across the pond.

9.       Where do you see the band heading into musically during the future?

Heather: Absolutely more vocal layering in recording. The guys have talked about incorporating more doomier elements while maintaining the melody we have now.  It’s hard to say, the symphonic element will always be there but we enjoy mixing various styles of metal. You can expect a healthy dose of both beauty and chaos in future material.

10.   What are some of the bands or musical styles that have had an influence on your music and also what are you listening to nowadays?

Valerie: The biggest influences for me have been Tori Amos and Nightwish. I still listen to them pretty frequently but I’m starting to branch out into slower and heavier music like Type O Negative.

Ben: I’ve always wanted to be in a band like Led Zeppelin, I really like how the had the freedom to do heavy riffs with softer melodies, which speaks to me on a deeply creative. I listen to a lot of modern metal like Epica and try to mix that with my early influences.

Heather: There are three vocalists that I have to give credit to as far as influence are concerned: Brittney Hayes of Unleash the Archers, Stu Block’s work with Into Eternity and Lizzy Hale of Halestorm. With out them, I wouldn’t be the vocalist I am today. Lately I’ve been listening to Devin Townsend and Disforia.

Matt: My two greatest influences are Metallica and Black Sabbath. Currently I’ve been listening to a lot of Anthrax and Rancid for rhythm ideas. While they’re not symphonic, it does help me hone into the symphonic sound of Graveshadow.

Roman: My greatest influences are Dave Lombardo, Johnny Kelly from Type O Negative, Bill Ward and Gas Lipstick from HIM. As far as what I’ve been listening I really dig on 80s metal. But really I bounce around between a lot of different genres from classic rock, black metal, doom….you know, random shit.

Will: My background is in punk and thrash. Early influences were bands like Extinction of Mankind, Toxic Narcotic, Iron Maiden and Amon Amarth. I’ve been listening to a lot of Opeth lately, as well as bands like Sabaton and Iced Earth.

11.   What are some of your non musical interests?

Heather: Kitties…um….I really love cats haha, but I love the Zelda games too. There’s also Netflix binges on Futurama, Angel, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Charmed and Stark Trek.

Roman: I like to ride my motorcycle, skateboarding, I have an unhealthy obsession with Trailer Park Boys but I also really like to get outdoors and do things camp or go to the river.

Valerie: I really, really enjoy dogs, their honestly most of life. I also love travel and going to live shows.

Ben: The past few years I’ve gotten really into nutrition and fitness. Working at a nursery has allowed me to start getting into gardening, especially carnivorous plants.

Matt: Beer and my dog, traveling with my wife, horror movies, going to shows and just enjoying a night with my friends.

Will: I mentioned earlier that I’m a huge nerd, I love playing video games. Skyrim, Final Fantasy VII or IX, Dishonored and World of Warcraft have been my poison lately. I love mead and binging Netflix shows like Parks and Rec, Dr. Who, South Park and the X-Files. 

12.   Before we wrap up this interview, do you have any final words or thoughts?

Will: First, thank you for taking the time to talk with us today. Honestly, just that we’re so thankful for the support that we’ve gotten from the metal community. Anyone who’s come to a show, bought an album or merch, you are the reason we do this and we can’t thank you enough. Keep an eye out for the album release and we’ll see you at the next show!

Enshine/Singularity/Rain Without End Records/2015 CD Review

  Enshine  are  an  international  band  that  has  been  featured  before  in  this  zine  and  plays  a  melodic  and  atmospheric  form  of  doom/death  metal and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2015  album  "Singularity"  which  will  be  released  in  October  by  Rain  Without  End  Records.

  Dark  and  atmospheric  sounding  synths  start  off  the  album  along  with  some  elements  of  post  rock  and  after  a  few  seconds  the  music  starts  getting  more  heavy  and  melodic  along  with  some  death  metal  growls  making  their  presence  known  on  the  recording  and  a  great  portion  of  the  tracks  are  very  long  and  epic  in  length.

  Throughout  the  recording  there  is  a  perfect  balance  between  soft  and  clean  parts  along  with  the  music  being  very  progressive  at  times  and  when  solos  and  leads  are  utilized  they  remain  true  to  a  very  melodic  and  atmospheric  musical  direction  and  some  tracks  also  bring  in  a  small  amount  of  acoustic  guitars  and  clean  singing  vocals.

  When  high  pitched  screams  are  utilized  they  bring  elements  of  black  metal  onto  the  recording  while  some  of   the  heavier  riffs  bring  in  a  trace  of  modern  prog  metal  and  some  tracks  also  bring  in  a  small  amount  of  spoken  word  samples and  they  also  bring in  a  brief  synth  instrumental  before  making  a  return  back  to  a  heavier  musical  direction  on  the  following  tracks  which  also  shows  elements  of  dream  pop  and  goth  rock  finding  their  way  into  the  songs  and  all  of  the  musical  instruments  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them  and  the  whole  album  also  sticks  to  a  very  slow  or  mid  paced  musical  direction.

  Enshine  creates  another  doom/death  metal  album  that  is  very  melodic  and  atmospheric  while  also  mixing  in  a  good  elements  of  progressive  and  post  rock  elements  that  really  make  the  music  stand  out  a  lot  more,  the  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  Stillness,  Out  Of  Body  Experiences  and Science  Fiction  themes.

  In  my opinion  this  is  another  great  sounding  recording  from  Enshine  and  if  you  are a  fan  of  this  band,  you  should  enjoy  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Dual  Existence"  "In  Our  Mind"  "Dreamtide"  and  "Apex".  8  out  of  10. 

Ad Nauseum/Self Titled/Broken Limbs Recordings/2015 EP Review

  Ad  Nauseum  are  a  band  from  Florida  that  plays  a  mixture  of  sludge,  doom  metal  and  harsh  noise  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  self  titled  2015  ep  which  will  be  released  in  October  by  Broken  Limbs  Recordings.

   Harsh  power  electronics  start  off  the  ep  and  a  few  seconds  later  dark  and  heavy  guitar  riffs  start  to  kick  in  and  takes  the  music  into  more  of a  doom  metal  direction  along  with  some  high  pitched  sludge  screams  and  the  noise  sounds  also  mix  in  with  the  more  heavy  parts  of  the  recording  and  there  is also a  brief  use  of  clean  playing.

  At  times  the  music  can  be  very  avant  garde  and  there  is  also  a  brief  use  of  death  metal  growls  and  elements  of  hardcore  and  when  the  music  speeds  up  blast  beats  can  be  heard  and  they  also  give  the  music  more  of  a  brutal  feeling  while  most  of  the  songs  and  riffs  stick  to  a  very  slow  yet  heavy  musical  direction.

  Ad  Nauseum  plays  a  musical  style  that  is  mostly  rooted  in  sludge  and  doom  metal  while  also  mixing  in  elements  of  hardcore  and  harsh  noise  to  create  a  style  of  their  own,  the  production  sounds  very  dark  and  heavy  while  the  lyrics  cover  dark  and  angry  themes.

  In  my  opinion  Ad Nauseum  are  a  very  great  sounding  mixture  of  sludge,  doom  metal  and  harsh  noise  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  those  musical  genres,  you  should  check  out  this  band.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Futility"  and  "Slalom  In  The  Public  River".  8  out  of  10.

Electric Deathbeat/Dead Echo Paranoia/2015 Full Length Review

  Electric  Deathbeat  are  a  band  from  Finland  that  plays  a  mixture  of  goth,  industrial  and  death  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  self  released  2015  album  "Dead  Echo  Paranoia".

  Gothic  style  keyboards  start  off  the  album  along  with  some  heavy  guitars  and  spoken  word  parts  that  evolve  into aggressive  screams  that  bring  elements  of  death  and  black  metal  onto  the  recording  and  clean  singing  can  also  be  heard  at  times  and  the  riffs  also  use  melodies  at  times  and  all  of  the  musical  instruments  have  a  very  powerful  sound  to  them.

  Growls  can  be  heard  in  some  parts  of  the  songs  and  the  keyboards  also  bring  elements  of  industrial  and  when  solos  and  leads  are  utilized  they  are  very  dark  and  melodic  sounding  and  as  the  album  progresses  there  is  a  brief  use  of  exotic  sounding  scales  and  the  music  sticks  to  a  mid  paced  direction  and  you  can  also  hear  modern  prog  metal  at  times.

Electric  Deathbeat  plays  a  musical  style  that  is  mostly  goth  and  industrial  while  also  having  the  heaviness  of  death  and  black  metal,  the  production  sounds  very  professional  for  being  a  self  released  recording  while  the  lyrics  cover  dark  themes.

  In  my opinion  Electric  Deathbeat  are  a  very  great  sounding  mixture  of  goth,  industrial  and  death  metal  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  those  musical  genres,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Death  Beats  The  Tainted"  "Sister  Sin"  "With  A Poisonous  Kiss"  and  "End  Of  Horizon".  8  out  of  10. 

Soijl/Endless Elysian Fields/Solitude Productions/2015 CD Review

  Soijl  are  a  solo  project  from  Sweden  that  plays  an  atmospheric  form  of  doom/death  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  his  2015  album  "Endless  Elysian  Fields"  which  was  released  by Solitude  Productions.

  A  very  dark  and  atmospheric sound  starts  off  the  album  along  with  some  heavy  and  melodic  guitars  a  few  seconds  as  well  a s some  death  metal  growls  and  the  music  goes  for  more  of  an  early  90's  style  of  doom/death  metal  and  you  can  also  hear  black  metal  screams  being  utilized  at  times  and  the  solos  and  leads  are  also  very  dark  and  melodic.

  All  of  the  tracks  are  very  long  and  epic  in  length  and  clean  playing  can  also  be  heard  in  certain  sections  of  the  recording  and  the  keyboards  also  make  the  music  more  atmospheric  and  as  the  album  progresses  spoken  word  parts  can  be  heard  in  certain  sections  of  the  recording  and  all  of  the  tracks  remain  true  to  a  slow  musical  direction  while  the  music  does  speed  up  briefly  on  one  of  the  tracks.

  Soijl  plays  a  musical  style  that  is  mostly  rooted  in  a  melodic  and  atmospheric  style  of  90's  style  doom/death  metal  that  also  mixes  in  influences  from  black  metal  to  create  a  style  of  his  own,  the  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  despair,  fear  and  suicidal  themes.

  In  my  opinion  Soijl  are  a  very  great  sounding  atmospheric  doom/death  metal  band  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Endless  Elysian  Fields"  'The  Formation  Of  A  Black  Nightsky"  and  "The  Shattering".  8  out  of  10.

 

Graveshadow/Nocturnal Ressurection/Mausoleum Records/2015 CD Review

  Graveshadow  are  a  band  from  California  that  plays  symphonic  metal  with  elements  of  power,  thrash,  goth,  doom  and  death  metal  and  this  is  a  review  of  their  2015  album  "Nocturnal  Ressurection"  which  will  be  released  in  November  by  Mausoleum  Records.

  Symphonic  keyboards  start  off  the  album  and  a  few  seconds  later  heavy  guitars  start  mixing  in  along   with  some  high  pitched  screams  that  add  a  touch  of  black  metal  to the  recording  before  adding  in  operatic  female  vocals,  melodic  riffs  and  death  metal  growls  and  the  solos  and  leads  also  add  a  great  amount  of  melody  to  the  songs.

 Some  of  the  tracks  are  long  and  epic  in  length  and  some  of  the  mid  tempo  riffs  add  elements  of  thrash  onto  the  recording  while  the  slower  sections  are  very  heavy  influenced  by  doom  metal  and  when  the  music  speeds  up  a  small  amount  of  blast  beats  can  be  heard  and  some songs  also  bring  in  a  small  amount  of  clean  playing  and  the  keyboards  add  a  good  amount  of  gothic  structures  to  the  recording  and  one  song  brings  in  Ralf  Sheepers  of  Primal  Fear.

  Graveshadow  plays  a  musical  style  that is  mostly  rooted  in  symphonic  and  goth  metal  while  also  mixing  in  elements  of  thrash,  death,  doom  and  black  metal  to  give  the  melodic  songs  more  aggression,  the  production  sounds  very  professional  while  the  lyrics  cover  darkness  and  fantasy themes.

  In  my  opinion  Graveshadow  are  a  very  great  sounding  symphonic  metal  band  and  if  you  are  a  fan  of  this  musical  genre,  you  should  check  out  this  album.  RECOMMENDED  TRACKS  INCLUDE  "Namesake"  "Lycan  Lust"  and  "Blood  And  Fire".  8  out  of  10.   

Gateway Interview

1. For those that have never heard of you before, can you tell us a little bit about the musical project?

Gateway is a one-man death/ doom project infused with dreadful sludge and ancient medieval horror.

2.So far you have released a demo and one full length, how would you describe the musical sound that is presented on both of the recordings?

The demo went really fast and sloppy, this can be heard in the overly compressed sound. It's a loud and harsh offering but it was well-received. The full length has a more thick and old school approach to the sound. It's dynamic and low-end to give it a more claustrophobic, capturing sound.

3.What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects you explore with your music?

Torture, inquisition, the dark ages, grotesque fictional beings.

4.What is the meaning and inspiration behind the name 'Gateway'?

Maybe a transition between reality into a dark, fictional world. An entrance where my emotions and concepts form into sonic stories. Other than that I think it's a simple, mysterious name that speaks images.

5.With this musical project you record everything by yourself, are you open to working with other musicians or do you prefer the solo route?

Well, I'm actually meeting some musicians to finally hit some (local) stages in 2016. So I'm definitely open for that. Gateway grows only stronger with added vision and ambition from other like-minded people.

6.Hellthrasher Productions is releasing your album in October, can you tell us a little bit more about how you got in contact with this label?

Hellthrasher contacted me shortly after the release of the full length. I was actively searching for a good label and they knew I wanted to do a physical release, we closed a deal and that's it. Glad to be on board.

7.On a worldwide level how has the feedback been to your music by fans of doom and death metal?

At this point pretty good as far as the underground goes.

8.Where do you see yourself heading into as a musicain in the future?

On a dusty stage, bulldozing people's ears and minds.

9.What are some of the bands or musical styles that have had an influence on your music and also what are you listening to nowadays?

Mainly the early 90's death/ doom metal and sludge scenes had a great amount of influence on the sound of Gateway: Winter, Autopsy, Cianide, Rippikoulu, Grief, Buzzov•en, Noothgrush,...

New albums by Ahab, Windhand and Uncle Acid are on heavy rotation around here.

10.Does Occultism play any role in your music?

Sure, but it's done to death in extreme metal. I rather try to reinvent that kind of symbolism with personalized tales. Instead of writing songs about Satan, I try to create my own Satan. The track "Kha'laam" is such an embodiment for example.

11.What are some of your non musical interests?

Nature, family, friends, horror movies, tea and beer.

12.Before we wrap up this interview, do you have any final words or thoughts?

Doom what thou wilt.